Lexington∣Barack Obama runs a red light

摘要

The right thing, done the wrong way. That may well be history's judgment on President Barack Obama's plan to shield millions of immigrants from deportation. Mr Obama's executive action, due to be unveiled in a televised address on November 20th as this newspaper went to press, answers compelling calls to bring more order, compassion and even natural justice to a broken immigration system. Yet at the same time the president risks breaking the doctor's oath: first, do no harm. The political system-indeed the social contract that binds America's leaders and an unhappy, anxious electorate-is already in fragile shape. The president has spotted a real ill in the way that immigration laws function. But his proposed cure is unprecedented in its radicalism and scope. He seems set to grant legal papers to millions of foreigners, notably the parents of children who are citizens or legal residents. The reaction from opponents in Congress and the country may leave deep scars.